Trails will connect locals to history of Torrington abolitionist John Brown's birthplace

Torrington Historical Society collection
Christopher Purrone, left, and Dane Deleppo, right stand at John Brown's birthplace in this file photo. It was the 150th anniversary of his raid on Harpers Ferry.

Torrington>> The birthplace of John Brown is a valued historical site in Torrington. Unfortunately, little physical evidence of its importance can be seen today.

In November, members of the Torrington Historical Society and the Torrington Trails Network met to discuss the implementation of hiking trails on the property. Representatives from both groups, as well as the water department, walked the property to get a feel for the topography of the site.

There were rumblings of hiking trails being put on this piece of land 10 years ago. While the plans are only in their infancy, it seems like things will finally be moving forward.

The hope is that these trails will reconnect people to the important past of this property.

Advertisement

"There will probably be a loop trail and a connecting trail," said Mark McEachern, Historical Society executive director. "They will allow people to access the property more than you can now."

The loop trail will wind around the property and the connecting trail will link to the University of Connecticut Torrington campus.

The hiking trails will include signage detailing the life and times of John Brown, an American abolitionish who polarized the nation with his radical thoughts on providing guns to slaves.

"We are excited about the possibilites up there," said Mark Linehan, a member of the Torrington Trails Network.

The trails and signs will get visitors more involved with the property. Instead of just standing and looking at the remains of the beautiful farmhouse where Brown was born in 1800, visitors will be able to explore the site. The trails will provide an opportunity for exercise as well as education.

"We want to get more people on the property," said McEachern.

There is no official timeline on when the trails will be finished. The next step for the Historical Society and the Trails Network is another walk around the property. They had hoped to do that in December but the snow delayed them. Plans for this beautiful property will pick back up in March or April when the snow melts.